Creamy Yogurt-Soaked Lentil Dumplings

Name: Creamy Yogurt-Soaked Lentil Dumplings (Dahi Vada)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup whole white urad dal, soaked for 3 hours; 2 green chiles, chopped; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped; Sunflower or canola oil, for deep frying; Sunflower or canola oil, for deep frying; 2 cups thick plain yogurt; 1 teaspoon chaat masala; ½ teaspoon red chili powder; ½ teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon sugar; Kosher salt; ½ cup tamarind chutney; ½ cup green chutney; 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder; ¼ cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

Dahi Vada

Preparation info

Yield:
15 to 20
dahi vadas

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Everyday Indian from Archana’s Kitchen

By Archana Doshi

Published 2026

About

Dahi Vada is a refreshing North Indian snack featuring soft, spiced lentil dumplings soaked in thick, creamy yogurt and drizzled with sweet-tangy chutneys. This cooling dish is a festive favorite, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors that remind me of family celebrations and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

1 cup whole white urad dal, soaked for 3 hours
2 green chiles, chopped
1-inch

Asia
India
Starter
Snack
Vegetarian

Method

Drain the soaked white urad dal, then add it into the blender along with the green chiles, ginger, and salt, to taste, to make a smooth batter.

Heat the oil in a deep-frying pan and drop spoonfuls of batter to form vadas. Fry until golden and crisp.

Heat about 2 liters of water in a large, wide pan and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat.

Soak the hot vadas</